Home Instructions

Adjusting to your new smile following your procedure may take some time. One’s brain may require a few days to recognize the new location of your teeth when the bite has been changed. Consequently, you may notice a change in your speech for a couple of days, but your normal speech will soon return. You might also notice an increase of saliva. Again, normal function should return within only a few days.

You may also, following your procedure, experience some tooth sensitivity and sensitive gums. A warm salt water rinse used three times a day may reduce discomfort and swelling. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Motrin may also alleviate any discomfort.

To help ensure a prompt return to your normal routine, we recommend that you follow the instructions from our office as closely as possible. Since hard foods may damage your new teeth, avoid eating nuts, peanut brittle, sticky candies, and ice (if these are your guilty pleasures, imagine how nice it will be once you return to them). Also minimize consumption of food and drink, such as red wine, coffee, berries, and tea, which may stain your teeth. Smoking can also stain teeth, so consider eliminating that activity (that’s just one more good reason to ‘kick the habit’). As always, regular brushing and flossing helps prevent plaque buildup, which because of exposed tissues, can do even more harm while recovering from a dental procedure.

If you notice any problems with your new bite, contact our office at 516-747-2400 to schedule an adjustment appointment. For those who engage in sports, we can create a custom mouth guard per your request. We can also provide you with a night guard if you regularly grind your teeth during sleep. Just give us a call, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure your comfort, health, and wellbeing.

Crown and Bridge Appointments Recovery

During the first crown and bridge appointment, molds of your mouth will be taken. Because the teeth will be anesthetized, your tongue, lips, and top of the mouth will be numb. Until the numbness subsides, only drink room temperature beverages and be very careful when you chew.

Some symptoms you may experience include temperature and pressure sensitivity. These side effects should, at most, last only a few weeks following the placement of your final restoration. You can use mild pain medications to control the symptoms.

To ensure your temporaries remain in the correct position, try to avoid eating sticky and hard foods. It’s also an extremely good idea to chew food on the opposite side of your mouth. After eating, carefully brush and floss you teeth, being careful that your temporaries stay in place. Meticulous oral care will prevent other teeth from compromising the fit of your final restoration.

If your temporary crown dislodges or if your bite feels uneven, call us at 516-747-2400. Please also call our office if you are experiencing persistent discomfort, even after taking medication. We are always happy to respond to all of your questions and concerns.

Tooth Extraction Recovery

After a tooth has been extracted, a blood clot must form to stop the bleeding. While biting on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after your appointment may not be the best time for a ‘selfie’, it is an important step in the healing process. To further control and stop any bleeding, place another gauze pad on the area and bite firmly for an additional 30 minutes. Repeat this step until bleeding ceases.

Once a blood clot has formed, optimal healing will occur when the clot is not disturbed. Accordingly, avoid smoking, sucking on straws, drinking alcohol, rinsing vigorously, and brushing your teeth near the extraction site for at least 72 hours. Even with the best intentions, these activities may dislodge the clot, which may prolong the healing process. You should limit strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours following your appointment, as the increase in blood pressure may lead to bleeding at the extraction site.

Over the counter medications may also help to reduce any swelling and discomfort at the extraction site. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to complete the entire regimen, regardless if whether your symptoms subside.

Remember also to drink lots of fluids and eat healthy, soft foods. Once you feel comfortable, you can return to your normal eating habits. After 24 hours, you may also resume your regular activities such as brushing and flossing. Along with maintaining a clean mouth, these activities will promote healthy and quick healing.

If, during your recovery period, and even after following the above recommendations, you experience uncontrolled bleeding, severe discomfort, or swelling please contact our office immediately at 516-747-2400.

Composite Fillings Recovery

As you will most likely have been administered an anesthetic, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours following your procedure. Although you may be craving coffee or a juicy burger, avoid drinking hot beverages and chewing foods until the anesthetic completely subsides as this will protect your lip or tongue when they are numb.

Shortly after the appointment, you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure, as well as soreness around the injection site. Motrin or Tylenol will help alleviate the tenderness. Be sure to use the medication only as directed by the office.

If, after the initial recovery period, you continue to experience pressure, sensitivity, or an uneven bite, please contact our office at 516-747-2400 immediately. Please also contact us if you have any questions or concerns.